Providence Artist Hides Ceramic Slugs to Promote Studio

Ceramicazoa Studio owner Lily Schuerger is hiding hand-painted ceramic figures across Providence to drive interest in pottery classes.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Painting

Bold vector editorial illustration of a small hand-painted ceramic slug figurine resting on a brick ledge. — Ceramicazoa studio owner Lily Schuerger is hiding hand-painted ceramic slugs around Providence to boost interest in local pottery classes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Starting in September 2026, artist Lily Schuerger began hiding hand-painted ceramic slugs throughout Providence to promote her studio, Ceramicazoa. Those who find the hidden art can earn discounts or free seats at pottery classes by sharing their discovery on social media.

Why it matters

Schuerger launched the initiative as a creative, tangible alternative to expensive digital advertising. The project aims to boost local engagement with the studio and encourage residents to try pottery.

Ceramicazoa Studio employs 6 professional artists and produces ceramic slugs in three distinct colors: gold, pink, and blue. Finding a golden slug rewards the finder with two free seats at a pottery paint and sip night.

The players

Lily Schuerger

She is the owner of Ceramicazoa Studio and a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Ceramicazoa Studio

This art space is located in the Hamilton Steam Building on Agnes Street and employs a team of six artists.

The details

To claim a prize, participants must post a photo of the discovered slug to their Instagram story and tag Ceramicazoa. The studio, located in the Hamilton Steam Building on Agnes Street, offers these incentives to attract new students to their various pottery sessions.

The artist began hiding ceramic slugs throughout Providence in September 2026.
The hunt for these ceramic figures grew in popularity during October 2026.

Culture Shift

This project reflects the rise of gamified local marketing, where small businesses use interactive scavenger hunts to drive community interest. It marks a departure from traditional digital-only outreach, favoring tangible, physical interactions that foster local brand loyalty.

Residents can actively participate by searching for the slugs, which could lead to free or discounted pottery classes. Winning a prize requires a smartphone and an active Instagram account to verify the find with the studio.

The takeaway

Engaging the local community through creative scavenger hunts can be a highly effective way for small businesses to build name recognition. Interested participants should keep a keen eye out for hidden ceramic slugs when exploring downtown Providence.